India’s Severe Heatwave Warning: 10+ Intense Heat Days Predicted This Summer
India’s weather department has issued a warning for a severe heatwave this summer, predicting higher-than-usual temperatures across much of the country. States like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha may experience up to 10 or 11 days of extreme heat. Many regions have already seen temperatures 1-3°C above normal in February. The heatwave poses a serious risk to health, with hundreds of deaths each year due to heatstroke, and it also affects agriculture and water resources. Last year, India recorded its hottest day at 50.5°C in Churu, Rajasthan.
The health ministry reported 143 deaths from heatwaves in 2024, though experts suggest the true number was higher. North, east, and central India are expected to face more heatwave days than usual from April to June. Experts stress the need for action to reduce the impact of extreme heat, exacerbated by India’s reliance on coal and greenhouse gas emissions.
India’s Severe Heatwave Warning: 10+ Intense Heat Days Predicted This Summer
India’s Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning about intense heatwaves gripping the country this summer, with temperatures predicted to soar well above normal levels. Large parts of the nation, including states like Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha, could face extreme heat for up to 10–11 days—far more than typical summers. This alarming forecast highlights a growing pattern of rising temperatures, raising concerns about public health, agriculture, and water resources.
The crisis is already unfolding. In February, nighttime temperatures in many regions were 1–3°C higher than average, signaling an early start to the heat. Year after year, scorching summers claim hundreds of lives in India, particularly due to heatstroke. Beyond the human toll, the relentless heat disrupts farming—a lifeline for millions—and dries up water supplies, leaving communities struggling to cope.
Last year, the country saw its hottest day ever recorded when the mercury hit 50.5°C in Churu, a city in Rajasthan’s desert region. While official reports link 143 deaths directly to heatwaves between March and June 2024, independent experts estimate the real number exceeds 700 fatalities across 17 states. This gap between official and actual figures underscores the hidden scale of the crisis, as many heat-related deaths, especially among vulnerable groups like laborers and the elderly, go unreported.
The IMD’s latest projections paint a grim picture for the coming months. From April to June, northern, eastern, and central India, along with the northwestern plains, are likely to endure two to four additional heatwave days compared to previous years. Scientists warn that without urgent action to curb climate change, such extreme weather events could become the new normal, occurring more frequently and with greater intensity.
As the world’s third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases, India’s reliance on coal for over 70% of its electricity significantly fuels the crisis. While the country has made strides in renewable energy, the transition remains slow. Experts stress that unchecked industrialization, rapid urbanization, population growth, and fossil fuel-dependent transportation are accelerating environmental degradation. These factors, combined with deforestation and unsustainable farming practices, trap heat and worsen air quality, creating a vicious cycle of climate impacts.
The human cost of rising temperatures is stark. Daily wage workers, farmers, and those without access to cooling facilities bear the brunt of the heat. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures leads to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and fatal heatstroke. Hospitals often see surges in patients during heatwaves, overwhelming healthcare systems. Schools and businesses shut down, disrupting education and livelihoods.
Agriculture, which employs nearly half of India’s workforce, faces dire challenges. Heatwaves stunt crop growth, reduce yields, and threaten food security. Staples like wheat and rice are particularly vulnerable, risking price hikes and shortages. Erratic weather patterns, including delayed monsoons and prolonged dry spells, compound these struggles, pushing rural communities deeper into poverty.
Water scarcity adds another layer of urgency. Rivers, lakes, and groundwater reserves are drying up as demand spikes during heatwaves. In cities like Delhi and Chennai, taps run dry, forcing residents to queue for hours under the blistering sun. Rural areas, dependent on wells and ponds, face even harsher shortages, sparking conflicts over water access.
The IMD’s warnings are a call to action. Authorities have begun implementing heat action plans: issuing public advisories, setting up cooling centers, and regulating outdoor work hours. However, critics argue these measures are reactive and inconsistent. Long-term solutions require systemic changes—investing in renewable energy, expanding green spaces, improving water management, and strengthening infrastructure to withstand extreme weather.
Individual responsibility also plays a role. Simple steps—staying hydrated, avoiding midday sun, using energy-efficient appliances—can save lives and reduce strain on resources. Communities are reviving traditional practices, like rainwater harvesting and tree planting, to combat environmental damage.
The heatwave crisis is a stark reminder of climate change’s immediacy. For India, balancing economic growth with sustainability is no longer optional. The choices made today—whether to prioritize clean energy or cling to coal, to protect ecosystems or exploit them—will determine the survival of future generations. As temperatures rise, so does the urgency for collective action to forge a livable, equitable future.